Mega-Yacht Mindset in a Center Console

Ocean Alexander, known for its motoryacht line (70 to 90 feet length overall) and its mega-yacht series (100 to 155 feet length overall), is entering the midsize market with a center-console. Meet the 45 Divergence.

The shipyard’s move to build a dayboat makes sense when you think about the fact that many large-yacht owners have a second and even a third boat. The vessel comes in a dive or fishing version for use as a mega-yacht tender, and has looks to suit that purpose: Designer Evan K. Marshall, who has collaborated on Ocean Alexander’s larger yachts, penned the 45 Divergence’s interior and exterior.

From an entertainment standpoint, foldout balconies flank the 45 Divergence's cockpit, increasing floor space. The balconies are kept secure with safety lines and stainless-steel poles set around the perimeter. The portside balcony has a drop-down ladder for water access. There is also a teak swim platform between the transom and the quad 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards.

For hanging out, there’s fold-down transom seating for three, and aft-facing seating for another three across from it. A high-low table between the two sets of seats lets everyone have dinner with a view. Add two loose chairs, and there’s cockpit dining for eight.

Situated between the cockpit seating and the amidships helm console — with three bolster-style Llebroc seats, Mercury controls, an Edson ComfortGrip Power Wheel and a 5-inch Mercury VesselView display — is what the builder dubs an “outdoor galley.” It has a two-burner Kenyon cooktop, a U-Line undercounter drawer refrigerator and a sink. A fiberglass lid (carbon fiber is optional) drops down, protecting the area from the elements while maintaining a clean look.

In addition to the cockpit and helm seats, the 45 Divergence has a foredeck sun pad and bow seating. When cover is needed, there's an optional bow sunshade with carbon-fiber poles. Other notable options include a choice of eight Alexseal hull paint colors ranging from Snowpack Silver to Venetian Red; a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer; FLIR night vision; a KVH satellite TV system; and a carbon-fiber or fiberglass cockpit sofa aft (in lieu of standard foldaway seats).

Anglers can add freezer plates to the portside cockpit stowage to keep the catch of the day fresh; a 35-gallon in-transom livewell for frisky baits; tackle drawers; and six transom rod holders (four gunwale rod holders are standard). Divers can add stowage for four tanks at the transom.

For overnighting, there is U-shaped seating belowdecks with a high-low table. Drop the table and add a filler cushion, and the space converts to a queen berth. There’s also a head with a shower stall, and a wet bar with a GE microwave, Isotherm refrigerator and sink. Salon headroom is 6 feet 8 inches.

Benefiting from Ocean Alexander’s large-yacht pedigree, modern Mercury outboard power and a versatile layout, the 45 Divergence should appeal to big-boat owners looking for a tender, and to center-console enthusiasts interested in a dayboat designed and constructed with a mega-yacht mindset.